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A study on impacts and feasibility of kra canal construction on Singapore and other stakeholders

Author

Wan, Linyu

Date of Issue

2016-05-24

School

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abstract

Kra Canal is a proposed canal to be built in Isthmus of Kra, Thailand. The Kra Canal project plans to cut a canal through Southern Thailand, connecting the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. The canal offers an alternative route to Malacca Straits, which is expected to affect Thailand vastly, revolutionize the shipping industry and also impact on the neighbouring countries. The study is conducted using primary and secondary research. Secondary research involved analysing of
data and information from existing studies. Primary research such as online surveys and interviews which serve as supplements to the secondary research, substantiating findings from existing studies and provide a common understanding of the project. This paper focused on the impacts of Kra Canal on Thailand and assessed the feasibility of the project. It is mutually believed that Kra Canal project may generate a positive economic impact to Thailand on a whole, however, at the same time welding social problems in addition to its current plight. That been said, Thai government needs to evaluate the pros and cons of the project from a bigger picture, before deciding on its involvements. Moving on, feasibility studies revealed a pessimistic future of the project. The study identified the push and
pull factors behind this project, and evaluated them in correspondence with the primary research findings. The benefits of the project seem vague; the cost savings may not be excessive, there may even be additional cost incurred as port due. On the other hand, the underlying problems are salient, as the project appears to place Thailand’s social stability and sovereignty at stake. Hence, to the potential investors and driving forces behind the project, it seems rather unworthy to venture forward; within the scope of the research.